Key Tourism Figures 2016: Stavros Katsikadis, President Greek Marinas Association

Official Tourism Message

Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world blessed with 16,000 km of coastline and over 3,000 amazingly unique islands.

Its idyllic climate combined with hospitable people makes it an ideal destination for yachting and watersports.

One of the main criteria for yacht owners to either visit a marina or make it their homeport is the geo-political status of the country, where the marina operates. Greek marinas have been established and operate in a secure, friendly environment due to the peaceful and humanitarian culture that preserves well balanced relations with the neighboring countries.

During the last several years, there have been new development plans for investments and renovations through a national strategy of privatizations. Although the country has been facing severe financial difficulties, the Greek marinas have been able to sustain high standards of hospitality and service to the permanent and transient boat visitors.

The Greek Marinas Association in cooperation with the state authorities and sea tourism organizations are working together to improve the administrative framework and legislation for the establishment and operation of marinas in Greece. The goal is to reinforce the added value to the local communities through the marina network expansion and bring in new investments in one of the most challenging tourism sectors of Greece.

We welcome the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) initiatives that show progress in the marina sector and we appreciate all relevant efforts that are being made to develop and to promote the Greek marinas, which are of paramount importance for high-end tourism and are crucial to the development of the national economy as a whole.